Whether you build from scratch or adapt an existing machine will depend on the materials to be cut, the accuracy required, the scale and shape of the work and the quantity you intend to produce. The machine construction manual cannot cover every configuration of three axis machine, the approach is to use two examples of multi function machines, one for wood/plastics and one for metals.

The small 2-axis wood routing/turning/drilling machines are adaptations of a popular alloy diecast XY table made by 'WOLFCRAFT' in Germany plus other easily available DIY accessories such as a 150W mini router head. Everything which can be bought is bought rather than made, consequently the construction is quick and does not require tools other than simple household tools. A third axis can be added by the user, which in the case of the router and drill give vertical control which allows unattended drilling profiling engraving etc. with up to approx. 500W. In the case of the lathe the third axis allows synchronised turning for such things as 'Barley twist' columns and fluting work. Once the size limit of these small machines is reached they can be re-converted to manual mode and the motor gear used to drive machines scratch built from MDF or plywood with ballraced motions to suit the particular work/cutter arrangement needed.

The 'COMPUCUTTER' is a 3-axis metal cutting machine for the model engine builder. It is exceptionally rigid, with zero backlash and zero end float in all three axes.

It easily 2-D mills a prototype gas turbine wheel from a 316 blank whose typical composition is be 17% chromium, 14% Nickel, 2% Molybdenum, 2% Manganese with an annealed hardness of 183 Brinel. The same machine is also used to 2-D turn the centrifugal compressor blank and to 3-D mill the compressor blading. The compressor casing is also 2-D turned on the Compucutter to ensure constant minimum clearance between compressor blades and the front casing.

Connecting rods can be profiled and relieved to accurate curved profiles, as can cams. The data can be derived from digitising super-scale templates of the prototype profiles, or by drawing the profiles in CAD.

The construction manual uses a text, drawing and photographic sequence to show the simple build up of these machines which involves the use of a small metal cutting lathe (Emco, Taig etc) and a drill. The main components are provided by a 6 inch cast iron cross vice and a 1/2 pillar drill. Due to the world-wide availability of these Taiwanese/Chinese components sourcing the components is no problem. Full details of how to build up the new leadscrews with their zero backlash phosphor-bronze nuts is given in the manual, there is even a computer program to help you 'run-in' the re-worked dovetail slides and leadscrews with their new nuts. Although the rebuilding of the vice and drill calls for, and repays some care , it does not involve much in the way of skill or machine experience. If you can rebuild your model engines you can build a 'Compucutter'.

The 'COMPUMILL' is a new edition to the Compucut range of suggested machines. The design brief was similar to that of the Compucutter in that many of the components were to be readily available, and affordable. The emphasis was on a more universal machine, that was as simple to build as possible. The base unit is a Nutool mortising machine, and the XY table is from Axminster. To get up and running as soon as possible, and to become familiar with the machine, we suggest a first build in power feed DRO configuration as shown milling the Sealion engine casting. (You can build a manual (no stepper motors) 3 axis mill for approx. £300. This forms the basis of the compumill and you can add further mods as you need them eg add a manual dividing head for cutting gear teeth as shown)

The photo below shows Compumill in power feed mode cutting a scroll. The single motor drives the rotary table and the x axis movement.

Once you are familiar with the cutting performance of the machine, you may wish to add stepper motor control, as is required by your job in hand. Compumill, is shown below with a selection of possible applications. (test piece uses old english font from engraver program written by Derval) (one of the features of the Compumill not clearly shown on the photograph is an epicyclic gearbox for boring work). Full construction manual now available £25 plus p&p.

The Compumill range of "add ons" will grow as jobs require. The photo above shows Compumill crossing out clock gears, and also displays "baby" CNC rotary table & dividing head. We have recently needed a right angle drive facility allowing the work to be milled and drilled without leaving the dividing head, and so remaining true to centre. The photos below show 3 solutions, quick and easy, light, and heavy duty.

If you prefer to add stepper motors to existing machines, it is important to decide how much torque you will need, as this will determine the size of motor, and so the method of drive (direct or via belt etc). The photo below shows an adaptation of the Taig lathe to stepper motor control. Note the stepper driven head allows for "creative" or non symmetrical work.